Nature and Effectiveness of Extension Services provided by Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Chatra (Jharkhand)

Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) is considered a dynamic instrument of introducing major changes in the agriculture research and extension system of the country. The ATMA is expected to support the state extension system for planning, implementing and monitoring the extension activities in a district. Therefore, study was conducted to study the nature and effectiveness of services of ATMAwith 240 farmers who were the presidents of FIG and CIG formed by ATMA in the District. Data was collected through focused group discussion and personal interview of the farmers. Regarding nature of extension services of ATMA, it was found that ATMA provided bio-based pesticides, subsidised improved varieties, farm implements, irrigation machines etc to the members FIG and CIG. ATMA implies provided consultancy services about new production technologies, weather forecasting, market related information and value addition practices among the farmers. Farmers were also involved in extension activities like component demonstration, training, group meeting, awareness progamme, exposure visit etc. The overall effectiveness index score with indicators, satisfaction, knowledge and adoption was 63.42 percent indicating high effectiveness of services. It is due to integration of extension education and extension services in one hand and empowerment of farmer groups to take decision, identification of problems and their solutions on the other hand.